NA-F2000: Early season testing wrapup

Zetec Championship finishes early season testing FAIRFIELD, N.J. (May 20, 2002) -- The Formula Ford 2000 Zetec Championship recently completed two-days of early season testing at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Taking part in the test were the top ...

Zetec Championship finishes early season testing

FAIRFIELD, N.J. (May 20, 2002) -- The Formula Ford 2000 Zetec Championship recently completed two-days of early season testing at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Taking part in the test were the top teams in the Zetec Championship, as well as the new Formula SCCA car.

Driving on the 2.258-mile CART configuration, the conditions varied greatly throughout the test. The test commenced under overcast skies with a light rain and strong winds. Unable to work on either wet or dry setups on the damp track, the majority of the teams remained in the garages in the early stages of the test. As the day progressed, the weather conditions began to improve, allowing the Zetec Championship drivers to get on course and run numerous laps. By the early afternoon, the track had dried sufficiently, that the majority of the cars began to run slick tires for the first time. Unfortunately, the dry track conditions lasted less than an hour, as it began to rain heavily. While assorted cars went out in the rain, the first day of the test was effectively completed.

Unlike the previous day, the second day of testing got underway in ideal dry and cool conditions. Drivers and teams worked on setups and car balance, while attempting to post a fast lap. Using the new tire and wing package implemented for 2003, the cars steadily got faster as the test progressed. By the late stages of the test, several drivers had posted times within striking distance of the lap record set in 2002. At the conclusion of the test, several teams had completed in excess of 200 laps, with no significant incidents reported.

Throughout the two-day test the Formula SCCA car did numerous laps, with several drivers having the opportunity to drive. The new car displayed great torque and acceleration, with a few drivers posting quick times.

The Formula Ford 2000 Zetec Championship returns to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, June 28-29, as part of the Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic and August 9-10, as part of the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. The 2003 season resumes, May 24-26, with Rounds Three & Four, at Lime Rock Park, as part of the Mohegan Sun Presents The Lime Rock Grand Prix.